Bradley mum on US future, European interest

August 9, 20106:50PM EDT

Kristian Dyer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Is Bob Bradley staying on or not?

That's
the big question heading into Tuesday's friendly between the US and
Brazil, and Bradley is still at the helm of the US National Team for
now. But what happens next after nearly four years in charge is still
one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding USA camp.

Bradley
said there have been conversations with the US Soccer Federation about
his future and a possible contract extension, but he refused to go into
specifics about the talks.

“From the end of the World Cup, I’ve
said the same thing – both sides would assess,” Bradley said Monday.
“I’ve had a few discussions.”

While painting the discussions as
preliminary and laying the groundwork for future talks, Bradley told the
media that the goal was always to get through the Brazil friendly on
Tuesday and then continue the conversations with the federation.

Bradley
would not dismiss the idea of coaching overseas and left his options
open with regards to the recent opening at Aston Villa.

“Always excited about new and different challenges,” Bradley said. “Coaching in Europe is something I’ve said I’d love to do.”

Bradley
drew criticism domestically for his tactical decisions during the World
Cup despite taking the United States through the opening round without a
loss, and winning the group over traditional heavyweight England.

After
the World Cup, he was linked strongly to a possible move to English
Premier League side Fulham. Bradley on Monday, however, confirmed only a
loose interest to the club.

Bradley
drew praise and respect from the foreign media for orchestrating the US
team’s upset of Spain in last year’s Confederations Cup en route to a
second place finish in the tournament. Critics have countered that
Bradley was too rigid tactically and did not experiment with enough
players.

“I think Bob did a really good job with our group,” US captain Carlos Bocanegra said. “He took us to the next level.”